We had some people to our house the other night. We had a devotion time, supper, and did some projects. One of our guest told our translator a story. The names and location has been changed to protect the innocent this is the story. A girl took some Orthodox communion bread from the church building for what intention I do not know. She took the the bread to a baptist church then she was turned into stone. To me this sounds like a cautionary tale for children. To our guest it was a true story. My prayer if for eyes to be open in the name of Jesus. I pray for lies to be brought into the light. Finally, lately I pray I can examine my own life and match it with the Word of God.
Only accessible by boat.
We met a friend that lived in Babadag. I think we became friends. I enjoyed his company anyway. I had a plan of spending time with him and discipling him for the Kingdom. God had other plans and moved him to a town only accessible by boat. Two days ago Sheena, Kale, Andrea (our translator) and I traveled to bring him some Christmas cheer. We also made plans to see him more often to study the Word with him. He seemed to be excited for the opportunity. Please pray for safety while traveling and a fertile heart.
Baptized into The Church not a church.
I had a conversation with a girl about being baptized. She is a fantastic Christian and loves to do ministry. She is a huge blessing in our life and a great encouragement. I asked here about being baptized and she is hesitant because of the paperwork it would take. She shared with me that she doesn't want to be baptized in to a church but The Church. This makes me incredibly happy. The thought process and study to come to this conclusion has only arrived to a few people that I know. Speaking of being simply Christian. I was doing my Christmas shopping for Sheena in our small market. What I was looking for could not be found in our small town and maybe Tuclea county. You would be surprised if you knew what I was looking for because it is very common. Anyway one very helpful man attempted to find what I was looking for. In broken English in Romanian we had a conversation about life and work. Pretty soon there was 4 or 5 shop owners interested in the conversation. I said we worked for a foundation that worked with kids. The next question is always the same. Baptist? Pentecostal? Orthodox? Adventist? The answer is always. no. no. no. no. Sunt doar Christian. I am just a christian. Maybe I am not explaining it well but few understand.
A city on a hill or nomad?
I have this new appreciation in Kingdom work. Someone more connected with God please help me understand. How much are we to be a stationary city? A city on a hill cannot be hidden. People move to the city in search of something. Is this a good concept of Kingdom work? I like it. It seems to me people come to church because they are in search of something which means the heart is in search of something. This seems like a efficient way to do ministry. However in Romania at least for now I don't see this as a great strategy. I think the nomad approach is more appropriate. I feel as though I must pitch my tent in the lives of others and move where they go. The trouble with this nomad approach is expense. I am not calling for more funds. I am talking about time, energy and people. It truly was an exhausting and expensive trip to go see our friend in a place only accessible by boat in the winter. What will be the return? I hope many disciples of Christ. Someone smarter than me please give me some advice.
Operation Christmas Child
I got to partner with a really great foundation and deliver Operation Christmas Child gifts to people here in Babadag. What a riot!!! I wish we could do that everyday. Some moms were crying. Some neighbors of recipients said they were going to call the police because we didn't give anything to them. Nearly every place we stopped people came out of their houses and surround our car. It was pretty fun. So if you donate or packed a shoe box just know it was used, but probably not here though. Finally we had a 60 degree day and found the coast of the largest lake in Romania just a few miles from here. It was beautiful.
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| Man letting a net down. I never saw his reward. |
